T.J. Hudson Jr.

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of TJ Hudson Jr., of Orlando, Florida. He passed peacefully while surrounded by his family in the early hours of June 19, 2024 at the age of 96 years. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his children: Jeff and Anne; granddaughters: Ashley, Kalie, Stacey and Mady; great-granddaughters: Leighlin and Livia; as well as numerous relatives and friends. Born July 14, 1927, in Francisco, North Carolina to parents Lucy and Thomas Hudson. He was the youngest of 3 children; brother George “Mott” Hudson and sister Dorothy Moore. He left home at age 17, to join the United States Navy. His military honors include the National Defense Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and many more. During his time in the military, he was stationed many places throughout the US and the world. While stationed in St. Augustine, he met the love of his life, Mary “Nell” Meriwether. They married on January 28, 1950. After his time in the Navy, he went on to work at NASA and then Disney World where he retired after 25 years in 1995. He spent his later years enjoying time with his granddaughters and most recently his pride and joy, his first great-granddaughter Leighlin. He loved to spend time at home, outside in his yard, and spent evenings watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a tree or plant donation. For a tree donation, a live tree will be planted by the funeral home or bring a live plant. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am, on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Orlando Regional Hospital and Carey Hand for their care and compassion during this time.